Minimum Age to Purchase & Possess in Vermont

Vermont law allows any person age 16 or older to possess a handgun without the consent of a parent or guardian.1 There is no minimum age to possess a rifle or shotgun in Vermont.

In 2018, Vermont enacted legislation to generally prohibit people from selling any firearm to a person under 21 years old.2 This law does not restrict gifts and transfers, however, and also does not apply to the sale of a firearm to a person under 21 if that person is a law enforcement officer or a member of the Armed Forces or National Guard, or if that person presents a certificate showing that he or she satisfactorily completed a hunting safety course approved by the state Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife.3

A separate Vermont law generally prohibits people from “furnishing” firearms or ammunition to anyone under 16, except for the minor’s parent, guardian, or instructor.4